Thursday, 30 January 2014

Racing is one of the expensive sports for big boys. The expense will not just end after you've bought a racing car but it continues because of the maintenance of the car. We all know that maintenance can really cost racers a big amount of money. So being wise in buying car racing parts is really needed in this sport. As you go on reading this article you will learn some tips on buying parts for your car that will save bundle of money.

Company Profile

This is the first thing you should know when you are buying spare parts for your auto. It is essential to know if the company is trustworthy and has a reputation of good quality products to take you away from buying repeatedly the same parts you need. You could as previews buyers, friends or expert mechanics if the company really sells good quality products.

Return Policies

When buying spare parts there are tendencies that you might buy a part that is not suitable in your car especially when you are not really an expert. So before purchasing the product you must clarify first if you can return the items if it is not the one you need. Also, know the terms that can turn down your privilege in returning wrong items.

Comparison of Prices

Before purchasing car racing parts always make a good search of prices of the parts in different stores. Don't stick with the first store you look at. There might some stores that give lower price or discounts on the parts you are buying. So doing comparison of prices can also save you a lot of money.

Tuesday, 28 January 2014

The news this week that Ford is back in the black, and impressive how they did so without becoming a ward of the US taxpayer. Coincidentally, I took a look at two of the company's latest cars to see what they are doing with installing technology there, and came away with mixed feelings. Yes, they are moving in the right direction, albeit clumsily. And while few people buy a car because of the installed computing features, they are becoming a bigger part of the usage equation as we spend more time commuting and working from our cars.

Ford has two very different computing programs underway, and sadly they are mutually exclusive by design. The latest effort is called Ford Work Solutions, and it is only available on its truck line. The system is based on having a touch screen Windows CE 6.5 inch display in the dash, running a wide variety of software programs including a suite of office apps (but not the real MS Office), LogMeIn, GPS, entertainment controls, and more. Yes, that LogMeIn. It comes with a wide variety of confusing options, including a Bluetooth keyboard, printer, and cellular broadband data modem for Internet connectivity. The ideal target buyer is a building contractor who needs to work from the job site, or a delivery service. You can create documents and print them out in the cab, do a remote control session back to your office to pick up some data, and surf the Web to answer customer queries. The touch screen is a bit clunky, because some of the controls are designed for fingers on the screen rather than on the keyboard, but by and large it seemed well thought out. For example, you can't operate the PC when driving.

But I just couldn't shake the feeling that I was going back to the early days of WebTV, and using technology that was already obsolete before its time found its way into many current hotel rooms. Part of the challenge that car makers have is that by the time a computer is installed in the vehicle, it is out of date. Granted, this is a computer that you don't have to worry too much about -- Ford claims it will withstand brutal environmental conditions -- but it still is a Windows CE based device that is closer to my Uverse TV settop box or my mobile phone than the PC that I am using to write this essay.

The in-dash PC comes with a few handy things, though. It has SD card and USB ports right there on the dash so you can import files or connect to external data sources. You can synch up your phone's contacts and do voice command dialing. It has the GPS display and your audio system controls so you don't have to hunt around for them. And there is an optional tool tracking software where you can stick RFID tags on your tools and instantly do a census before you leave a job site and make sure you got everything back in the truck before you leave. There is also a vehicle tracking and scheduling software called Crew Chief that one Chicago pizza delivery company is using to match demand with supply, as the trucks have their own baking ovens that can finish the pies and get them piping hot to their customers. That seems to offer the most promise, if you can figure out the options.

Ford has done a mediocre job of getting the word out about Work Solutions. They haven't any press loaners to try anywhere in the country -- I had to find one locally that was being used by one of their corporate dealer trainers.The company Web site has some information, but it doesn't satisfy anyone who has moderate tech knowledge, and indeed asks more questions than it answers. They could do better and appeal to more IT-minded potential buyers, rather than the big and brawny Joe SixPack contractors. (Actually, the contractor that my interior designer wife currently uses has a pretty sophisticated Web site that tracks his job progress and tasks, but that is story for another essay.) Each truck has to be specially ordered with the computer factory installed, so you can't just walk in off the lot and drive one home. They aren't all that expensive as computer options go -- the monthly fees for the cellular modem and LogMeIn is probably the biggest obstacle just because people don't normally think their car needs an additional monthly payment for communications. And there are a confusing array of options and add-ons, which is why the dealers need training here. The biggest issue is that they aren't available in their sedans. I shouldn't have to buy a pickup truck, or even their sexy Transit Connects (which you see all over Europe and are just being imported here) to get a measly WinCE PC.

Why not just spend your money on a laptop with a cellular modem and call it a day? You can get a "real" PC with a bigger screen and put whatever apps on it you desire, and still have the connectivity back to your office or Internet access if you need it. The only trouble is that you either have to leave your laptop at risk inside your car or have to tote it around with you. If you are a contractor or a delivery person or someone else constantly on the go, it might make sense to go with the in-dash PC.

What about the other Ford tech package? This is the Sync software that they developed with Microsoft. It is designed for a character-mode display and isn't a real computer in the sense of even a CE-based device. It can sync up with your cell phone, offer turn by turn navigation instructions (but not a visual display of the landscape), and automatically mute the radio when an incoming call is detected for your cell phone. This is available on most of the newer model cars, and Ford will throw in the navigation package free if you buy other options for Sync. Or so I was led to believe. Again, figuring out all these options is maddening, and why so many of us run screaming from our local car dealers.

Now, you should know that I have rather quirky car buying habits: I have only owned cars for about 25 years, roughly half my life, and only bought one Big Three American car over that period (my current car was made in Canada and is actually offered by Ford, although I bought the Toyota version). I don't drive it enough to consider the Work Solutions package even if it were available in a sedan.

While I give Ford credit for trying to add some interesting technology to their vehicles, they have a long way to go before many people will choose to use it. Yet it is noteworthy in that they are attempting to go after a part of the market that the other car makers have ignored: road warriors that want to get work done in their cars, and not just deliver fancy infotainment systems. Now if they could appeal to the nerds they might have a winner.

Friday, 24 January 2014

Have you recently decided that you would like to have your antique car restored? If so, have you decided how you would like to go about doing so? While many individuals turn to a professional antique car restoration business, there are others who choose to do their own restoration. If you are interested in doing so, you can, but there are a number of important factors that you may first want to take into consideration. One of those factors is the antique car restoration parts that you will need.

Antique cars are defined as being antique because of their production dates. Unfortunately, almost all antique cars are out of production now. If an antique car is still being produced, it isn't an original, rather it is a replica. What does this you mean for you? It means that it may be difficult for you to find your own antique car restoration parts. Despite being difficult and time consuming, there are a number of ways that you can go about getting the parts that you need.

Depending on where you live, you may have access to a car parts store. Chances are you will not find what you are looking for at a national car parts chain; they tend to only focus on newer vehicles. You will want to look for an individual or a company in your area that specializes in selling old, antique car parts. Even if the individual or company in question does not have the antique car restoration parts you were looking for, they may be able try and find them for you. As previously mentioned, whether or not one of these establishments can be found in or around your place of residence will all depend on where you live.

If you are unable to find someone locally, you may want to turn to the internet. In fact, the internet is your best chance of finding what you want. It might be best to perform a standard internet search with the name of the antique car restoration parts you are looking for. Your results may include classified ads where these items are being offered for sale or you may be directed to the online website of an individual or company that specializes in selling antique car restoration parts. Unfortunately, it can sometimes be difficult to shop for antique car restoration parts. If you are unfamiliar with antique car parts, you may not know whether you are getting a quality part. That is why you are advised to shop with caution, especially when using online auction websites.

As stated above, do it yourself antique car restoration is not your only option. You can also choose to have your antique car professionally restored. While this will cost a decent amount of money, it is important to remember the results; you will almost always end up with better results. In addition to results, you will not have to search for your own antique car restoration parts. If you choose to work with an antique car restoration business, they will find and purchase the parts for you. Due to connections made through previous purchases, it is often easier for an antique car restoration business to find the needed parts. Something that can take you a week or two, may only take a professional few hours or a couple of days.

When deciding whether you would like to do your own antique car restoration or have a professional do it for you, you are urged to keep the above mentioned points in mind. They may help make it easier for you to make a decision.

Thursday, 16 January 2014

More and more people are starting to realize that water running cars really do exist and it is possible to save thousands of dollars on gas or diesel. The truth is, this water technology has been around for roughly 90 years but greedy oil companies have tried to keep this technology underground for as long as they can.

Water is available to everyone and anyone with basic DIY skills can build a simple drive on water device and attach it to their vehicle's engine, which will convert their gas guzzler into one of those water running cars. The technology that makes this all possible is very easy to understand.

Water is also known as H20 because it is made up of 2 parts hydrogen and 1 part oxygen. Although hydrogen gas is highly flammable, it burns at a much lower temperature than other fuels do. Since it burns at such a low temperature it adds to better fuel efficiency.

Using this drive on water device you will be able to separate the hydrogen from the water compound using a system of electrolysis. This separation will result in a gas known as HHO and it will combust when it is brought to it's auto ignition temperature.

Building this run on water device to begin running your car on HHO gas is very straight forward. All the materials and components you need can easily be found for less than $50. Once you have installed it the device will use a small amount of electricity from your car battery to separate water into HHO gas. This HHO gas is %100 environmentally friendly and it burns cleanly and efficiently.

Some people prefer to buy an assembled run on water device but the companies that sell them charge up to $5,000 for each. Although these devices are well worth the money they can take more than a year to pay for themselves. This is why most people want to build one themselves instead of paying thousands for one that is already assembled.

To build a run on water device you will need a professional conversion guide to help you. A conversion guide will provide you with everything you need to get this project done such as a materials list, step by step instructions, and a diagram to display how everything should look. Some experts predict that by 2040 most people will be driving water running cars.

Tuesday, 14 January 2014

As you may of heard on the news, gas prices will continue to rise. Experts predicted by the end of 2008, gas prices will be at 6 dollars a gallon and by the end of 2009, gas prices will be at 8 dollars a gallon. That statement brings the question" What can I Do to prevent myself from wasting my money on gas?" Well shocking, there is an answer. You can now convert your car to run on water! This technology is also known as "HHO Technology".

You must know that you cannot run your car on 100% water, but you can run your car on a mixture of water/hydrogen and gasoline. You cannot just put water in your gas tank and then your done. You must convert the water into hydrogen. Hydrogen can be mixed with gasoline to form the compound "HHO". That's where the technology gets its name. HHO fuel is far more efficient than gasoline, which leads to a huge increase is miles per gallon for your car or truck.

Converting your car to run on HHO is actually very simple. You don't even need mechanical skills to convert your car. All the parts needed for the conversion can be found at any hardware store for under 75 bucks. The greatest part is that the conversion will only take about 2 hours with No mechanic skills. If you know a little bit about cars the conversion will only take 1 hour.

The technology has been thoroughly tested and can lead to your car or truck doubling its gas mileage. Also the kit is 100% safe for any vehicle and can be removed in 5 minutes, but why would you want to take it off? Once you have built your own kit, all you need to do is put some water in the container and it automatically converts the water into hydrogen. This technology will save you thousands each year. You could go on a couple of vacations each summer with all the money you will save.

Saturday, 11 January 2014

Cars and football are often two of the things that interest men the most and over the past year or so it seems as though the two industries have joined forces as part of a clear marketing strategy.

You've got Manchester Utd and Audi, Kia and the 2010 World Cup and now Spanish car giant SEAT have coupled up with the Europa League (formerly known as the UEFA cup).

SEAT are using the European stage to boost their brand and their model line-up. Officials at SEAT have said that they believe their target audience are youthful and interested in 'design' which they relate to the flare often associated with European football.

Once again it's the British clubs who are amongst the favourites to lift the trophy - Manchester City and Liverpool in particular. Other European clubs who are in with a chance include Spain's Atletico Madrid, Portugal's FC Porto and Russia's CSKA Moscow.

The newly-branded Europa league is a big sporting attraction. Last year a total of 526 million people followed the 205 matches that were played throughout the competition and a further 4.4million people watched the games live in the stadiums. Therefore the SEAT models and branding is going to be seen by thousands upon thousands of people.

SEAT have already seen the impact from their sponsorship from last season as the banner displayed on the uefa.com website received more than 48 million hits alone.

SEAT are going to continue to sponsor the Europa Cup for three more seasons which will last until 2012 - so it looks like they are going to enjoy a lot more publicity yet!

Tuesday, 7 January 2014

When the marketing people coined the term Pre-owned car, many people just took it as another marketing gimmick. However, the services offered by elite manufacturers like BMW have changed this notion. There is now a difference between just a used car and pre-owned car. A dealer selling great car like BMW now has to maintain certain standards issued by the company regarding various performance parameters. So now a pre owned car like BMW comes with advantages for the buyers when bought from certified car dealers. In a place like New York, long island, people don't have to compromise for the quality. Along with an array of benefits like consistent service, quality assurance and better security, the certified pre-owned car dealers offer you various choices in payment options and easy finance.

Living the dream: At long island New York:

BMW has a long and outstanding history for creating fantastic driving machines with a wide range of features. Every BMW car is a dedicated story of great hard work and effort, which goes into the making for a great driving machine that it is. It's not just the good looking design but also the fine tweaking and tuning of the inner machinery of the engine, the suspension, and performance parameters of various high quality parts and comfortable interior design that make this car stand out in uniqueness of its class. The passion for innovation in terms of style, comfort, driving experience and after sales service has obviously put BMW and its owners in a different league.

That is why BMW has set a standard in the sales of its pre owned cars, which have made the dream of owning a great BMW easier for a lot more people. It's because of this that the fan club of BMW has grown by around 35% in long island New York itself.

The Best Option

The certified pre-owned car series carries with it self a lot of benefits which an original one would carry, like a pre owned car would come with certain extended warranty if the current warranty has expired. This is available at all Certified BMW dealers. Along with this the other things in offering are services like safety cover, and road side assistance package for quite a low cost. That's why one can say that "when we have the option of a car like this why settle for less!" This has been another contributory factor for the increase in the number of sales of pre owned cars, not just in long island but the whole of America. Thus going in for a pre owned car from a certified dealer you can get the most along with the best.

Go for it

Hence just find the certified BMW and go for it. Choosing from a range of easy finance and payment options and great car models, become the owner of a great BMW and be a part of the BMW fan club. Those who have owned it once would hardly go for anything else.

Saturday, 4 January 2014

This article is part of a series dealing with the basics of UK car and vehicle auctions. Some of the terms used may apply to other countries but specific vehicle requirements are UK based.

A• Auction - The process by which items are sold to the highest bidder within a competitive environment • Auctioneer - The person responsible for controlling the auction

B• Bid - An amount of money offered by a bidder for a particular lot • Bidder - A person or company competing to purchase a particular lot • Bidding Number - A unique number assigned to a bidder during some types of auction • Buyers Fee - An amount of money added to the Hammer Price of a particular lot or purchase - sometimes called Commission

C• Cashier - A member of Auction staff responsible for taking payment from buyers and releasing Vehicle Documents and Pass Outs • Catalogue - A list of the items for sale in any one auction • Closed Auction - A sale only available for invited buyers • Commercial Vehicles - Any item at auction that is primarily used for a business nature. Can include vans, trucks, tractors and plant items • Commission - See Buyers Fee • Company Fleet - A group of vehicles used for the needs of a business or organisation and usually leased from a leasing company • Contract Hire - A form of long term leasing agreement offered by Leasing Companies • Cover Note - A certificate of motor insurance offered by insurance companies as a temporary measure until full certification arrives

D• Date of First Registration - The time at which a vehicle was assigned is Registration Number • Dealer Group - A chain of car dealerships operating either under a manufacturer franchise or independently and selling one or more make of vehicle from one or more geographic location. A type of buyer and vendor at car auctions • Dealership - A single location within a Dealer Group. An independent car dealer • Deposit - The amount of money that must be paid in order to bid in any given auction, or to secure a bid on any given vehicle • Drive Away Insurance - Cover offered by insurance companies to allow a buyer to drive a vehicle after purchase. Sometimes offered free through auctions • Dutch Auction - A variant of the English Auction system where the Auctioneer begins with a high asking price which is then lowered until a bidder accepts • DVLA - The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency, an Executive Office of the Department for Transport (DfT)

E• English Auction - The most widely used and recognisable system of auctioneering whereby the sale of an item is determined by an increase in the value of bids until a final bid and bidder remain • Entry Details - Information shown on the Windscreen Entry Form describing the vehicle such as the current Odometer reading, Service History, MOT and Road Tax status and other information of interest to Buyers • Entry Fee - The cost to enter your vehicle into any given auction

F• Fee - Any charge added to the cost of selling or buying a vehicle at auction • Finance House - A company that leases vehicles to businesses, organisations or to private individuals. A type of seller at car auctions • Fleet Vehicles - A car or van which has previously been leased by a company or organisation • Former Keepers - The number of persons, organisations or companies which have previously kept any given vehicle

G • Gavel - The official name for an auctioneers hammer

H• Hall - The area in which the auction takes place. There can be one or more halls situated within an auction site • Hammer Price - The value at which an item or lot is sold. This value is set once the auctioneer declares the item as sold and brings down the gavel

I• Inspection Report - A document created by an engineer or auction employee highlighting any damage or issues with a vehicle

J

K• Key Room - The office within an auction site where vehicle keys will be kept and released to a buyer upon presentation of a Pass Out

L• Leasing Company - An organisation which leases vehicles to business or organisations to form their fleet. A type of seller at car auctions • Log Book - An common name used for a vehicles Vehicle Registration Document or V5c • Lot - Any item for sale within any given auction • Lot Number - The unique number assigned to any item for sale in any given auction

M• Main Agent - The authorised seller and service centre of a particular type, or types, of vehicle within a given geographical area. May also be used in reference to a vehicle's Service History which may include their stamp • Manufacturer - The maker of a type of vehicle. A type of seller at car auctions • Margin - The difference between costs and outlay to acquire an item and the total subsequent sale value • Mileage - The current miles travelled by any particular vehicle as shown on the vehicle's Odometer • MOT - A certificate confirming that at the time of the last test, a vehicle met the minimum statutory safety and environmental standards

N• Non-runner - Used to describe a vehicle when the engine will not start

O• Odometer - A device which records the current miles travelled by a vehicle and then displays this record • Open Auction - A sale where anybody is free to attend and bid

P• Part X - Vehicles offered at auction that have been traded to a Dealership in return for a new vehicle • Pass Out - A form given to the buyer of a vehicle indicating that the sale is complete and allowing the buyer to remove the vehicle from the auction site • Plant - A term used to describe any items which do not fit into the general sale categories. Can mainly be used to describe agricultural machinery, industrial items or non road vehicles • Plate - Term used to refer to a vehicles registration number • Private Buyer - The term used to describe a member of the public not associated, or bidding for, commercial gain • Provisional Bid - The system whereby the auction will contact the vendor and offer them the highest bid achieved during an auction if this bid has not met the set reserve price

Q

R• Registration Number - The unique code assigned to a vehicle by the DVLA and used to identify it • Remarketing - The industry term used to describe the sale of used vehicles at auction • Reserve - The minimum sale value set by the vendor on any one lot • Road tax - The statutory amount payable on all vehicles in order to drive them on UK roads. • Rostrum - The stage or podium where the auctioneer stands and from where the auction is controlled • Rostrum Clerk - An Assistant to the Auctioneer who acts as a Customer Liaison during the auction

S• Sale - The time during which the Auction takes place • Service History - Details of a vehicles maintenance and past. Will include details of when, and at what mileage, services have been carried out on a vehicle. Stamps may include those from Local Garages or Main Agents • Sold as Seen - The process by which vehicles are offered and/or sold without guarantee

T• Tax Disk - Certificate attached to the inside of a vehicles windscreen confirming that it has current Road Tax • Trade - Buyers or sellers at auction whom operate within the Automotive Industry

U• Unsold- A vehicle that has been entered at auction and has not been bought either due to lack of interest from Buyers, the final bid not reaching the Reserve or the Seller rejecting a Provisional Bid

V• V5C - Also known as a log book. Shows the present registered keeper of the vehicle and is used to inform the DVLA of any change in ownership • VAT Marginal - Applicable to Trade buyers who will be required to pay VAT on their Margin when they sell the vehicle on • VAT Qualifying - Applicable to Trade buyers. VAT is payable on the Hammer Price of a vehicle • Vehicle Documents - The collective term used to describe all legal and additional documents relating to a vehicle • Vehicle Logistics - The process and system of arranging vehicles for collection and delivery to and from auction sites • Vendor - A company, organisation or individual selling their vehicle(s) at auction

W• Warranted Mileage - Used to describe when a vehicle's vendor has confirmed that the current Odometer reading is correct and accurate • Windscreen Entry Form - A document attached to the inside of a vehicle showing the vehicle's Entry Details

Wednesday, 1 January 2014

One of the country's top luxury carmakers -- Mercedes-Benz Malaysia - supports important sporting events around Malaysia including golf tournaments and sports car races.

The world class MercedesTrophy was held for the 19th straight year beginning in April, 2009 at the Nexus Gold Resort Karambunai in Sabah, and ending at the Saujana Golf Country Club in Selangor on June 18. In between, the event stopped at the Bukit Jambul Country Club in Penang and the Horizon Hills Golf & Country Club in Johor. The tournament is open only to owners of Mercedes -Benz cars from authorized Mercedes dealers across Malaysia.

Winners in the Men's and Women's categories go on to represent Malaysia in the Asian final in Melbourne, Australia courtesy of Mercedes-Benz. Winners in each handicap category then qualify for the World Final in Stuttgart, Germany. Players that hit a hole-in-one can win a free Mercedes-Benz car.

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia also supports the Formula One World Championship. In 2009, this event began in March, 2009 in Melbourne, Australia. The Kuala Lumpur leg was held in April, and the season finale takes place in November at the Yas Island Marina circuit in Abu Dhabi. The race also travels to Istanbul, Budapest, Valencia and Sau Paulo. Singapore hosts the only night race of the competition.

The eleventh Formula One PETRONAS Malaysian Grand Prix, held in April 2009, was organised by Malaysian Formula One promoter, Sepang International Circuit. In 2008, a Mercedes Benz SL 63 AMG was chosen as the official safety car of the Formula One World Championships.

In March, 2009, Cycle & Carriage Bintang Mercedes-Benz held their members exclusive Saujana Golf Club Carnival as part of its 110th Anniversary celebration, where they offered members four special discount packages to purchase a new Mercedes-Benz E 200K vehicle. The event also featured two sets of prizes - two free Mercedes-Benz B170 cars, and a free year-long subscription to the Saujana Golf & Country Club.

CCB Mercedes-Benz dealers offer a range of Mercedes-Benz models across Malaysia, including the S-Class Saloon known for its special safety technology. The S-Class features the Electronic Stability Program ESP® and PRE-SAFE® positioning function. For off-road adventures, there is the GL-Class with powerful V6 or V8 engines and AirMATIC air suspension to help make rough terrain travel more comfortable. This cross-country vehicle can accommodate up to seven passengers. Sports car lovers might want to inspect the SLK-Class Roadster and its 224 kW (305 hp) SLK 350 engine. This sleek convertible revs up to 7200 rpm and is aerodynamically designed for speed and handling. The SLK is the world's most popular roadster in its class.

The luxury car manufacturer also participates in other events throughout the year. For example, to help celebrate its 110th Anniversary, a Mini Sales Carnival was held at Lot 19, PJ Autohaus. Past events include the Merdeka Carnival to help commemorate Malaysia's 50th Anniversary, in which participants were allowed to test-drive Mercedes-Benz models. In 2008, they featured a series of road shows with promotional deals and new vehicle displays.